King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:23 in the King James Version says “In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodl...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.”

Ezekiel 17:23 · KJV

Context

21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

22

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:

23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mountain imagery evokes Zion, God's holy hill from which His reign extends (Psalm 2:6, Isaiah 2:2-3). The universal gathering of 'fowl of every wing' represents all nations finding refuge in Messiah's kingdom (Matthew 8:11, Revelation 7:9). This reverses the eagle judgment imagery—God's king provides shelter rather than destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's calling was always to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3). Ezekiel's contemporary Jeremiah also prophesied a righteous Branch from David who would reign wisely (Jeremiah 23:5-6), promises fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the global, multi-ethnic nature of Christ's kingdom shape your view of missions and evangelism?
  2. What shelter and provision have you found in Christ that you could share with others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בְּהַ֨ר1 of 20

“In the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מְר֤וֹם2 of 20

“of the height”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶשְׁתֳּלֶ֔נּוּ4 of 20

“will I plant”

H8362

to transplant

וְנָשָׂ֤א5 of 20

“it and it shall bring forth”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עָנָף֙6 of 20

“boughs”

H6057

a twig (as covering the limbs)

וְעָ֣שָׂה7 of 20

“and bear”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פֶ֔רִי8 of 20

“fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְהָיָ֖ה9 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאֶ֣רֶז10 of 20

“cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

אַדִּ֑יר11 of 20

“and be a goodly”

H117

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

תִּשְׁכֹּֽנָּה׃12 of 20

“and under it shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

תַחְתָּ֗יו13 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כֹּ֚ל14 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צִפּ֣וֹר15 of 20

“all fowl”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

כָּל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כָּנָ֔ף17 of 20

“of every wing”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

בְּצֵ֥ל18 of 20

“in the shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

דָּלִיּוֹתָ֖יו19 of 20

“of the branches”

H1808

something dangling, i.e., a bough

תִּשְׁכֹּֽנָּה׃20 of 20

“and under it shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 17:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 17:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:32Ezekiel 31:6Isaiah 2:2Galatians 3:28Hosea 14:7Colossians 3:11

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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